Press Operator

About the Role

This position involves setting up, operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining large stamping presses used to blank, form, bend, and punch steel components. The role ensures products are manufactured safely, efficiently, and in accordance with engineering drawings, quality standards, and production requirements.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to all company safety policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintain a safe work environment.
• Report unsafe conditions, equipment issues, and accidents immediately.
• Participate in safety initiatives and continuous improvement activities.
• Review work orders, routings, blueprints, specifications, and production requirements prior to setup.
• Select, assemble, install, and secure appropriate tooling and materials for assigned jobs.
• Verify tooling alignment and machine readiness before production begins.
• Set up and operate large stamping presses to manufacture parts in accordance with print specifications and customer requirements.
• Adjust machine settings as necessary to maintain dimensional accuracy and product quality.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and basic troubleshooting.
• Conduct first-piece inspections using measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, tape measures, combination squares, and protractors.
• Verify dimensions, bends, angles, and tolerances against blueprint and job requirements.
• Perform in-process inspections as required by work instructions and quality standards.
• Identify and address nonconforming product, worn tooling, and equipment issues.
• Escalate quality concerns to supervision when necessary.
• Stage materials and tooling required for production runs.
• Move materials and finished goods using approved material handling equipment, including forklifts/tow motors when authorized.
• Package, label, and document completed work according to established procedures.
• Transfer work to subsequent operations as required.
• Wash and prepare finished parts when applicable.
• Complete all required production, quality, and inventory documentation accurately and timely.
• Communicate production status, equipment issues, and quality concerns to supervisors and team leaders.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas in accordance with 5S principles.

Quality Management System (QMS)

• Understand and support the company's Quality Policy and Quality Objectives.
• Follow applicable procedures, work instructions, job packets, routers, and drawings.
• Use only current controlled documentation.
• Maintain proper product identification and traceability.
• Properly identify and handle nonconforming material.
• Support internal and external audits as required.
• Maintain work areas, equipment, tools, and gaging in accordance with established 5S standards.
• Report conditions that may impact product quality or compliance.

Requirements

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, work instructions, and production documentation.
• Ability to use precision measuring instruments accurately.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations involving fractions, decimals, and standard measurements.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous manufacturing, press operation, metal forming, or machine setup experience preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Working Environment and Physical Demands

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

• Frequent standing throughout the shift.
• Regular use of hands for operating machinery, tools, and measuring devices.
• Frequent lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds without assistance.
• Occasional lifting or moving of materials up to 200 pounds with assistance or mechanical lifting equipment.
• Frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, crouching, and climbing as required.
• Ability to visually inspect parts, read measuring devices, and distinguish fine details.
• Manufacturing environment with exposure to moving mechanical equipment.
• Regular exposure to elevated noise levels.
• Use of required PPE is mandatory.
• Frequent interaction with production equipment and material handling machinery.

Other Requirements

• Employees must be willing and able to work overtime as needed, including extended shifts, additional weekdays, weekends, or other schedules necessary to meet customer and production demands.